ANTOINE GRIEZMANN, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba have led the tributes to Lionel Messi after his Barcelona exit was confirmed this week.
It was thought that the 34-year-old was close to signing a new deal at the Nou Camp after becoming a free agent.
But it was announced on Thursday that ‘due to economic and structural obstacles’, his time in Catalonia has come to an end.
And he could now be set to be reunited with former Blaugrana team-mate Neymar at Paris Saint-German.
It has been claimed that the 2021 Copa America winner has been offered a £285,000-a-week contract until 2023, with the option of a further year.
As Barca fans come to terms with Messi’s departure, a host of the players have taken to social media to say their goodbyes to the club legend.
An Instagram post of Griezmann read: “The only thing I can tell you and that every soccer lover will think about it: THANK YOU!
“Thank you for everything you have done at Barcelona! For the city, for the club … you have changed everything! I am sure that it is not a goodbye but a see you later and that your path will cross again with FC Barcelona.
“I wish you the best, that you and your family are happy wherever you go. Very few know what it is to be Messi and you were an example for me in every way.”
Pique added: “Nothing will ever be the same again. Not the Camp Nou, not the city of Barcelona, not ourselves.
BETTING SPECIAL – GET LEICESTER AT 60/1 OR MAN CITY AT 30/1
“After more than 20 years at the Club, you will stop wearing the Barça shirt. The reality, sometimes, is very harsh.
“Nothing will ever be the same again. Not the Camp Nou, not the city of Barcelona, not ourselves. After more than 20 years at the Club, you will stop wearing the Barça shirt. The reality, sometimes, is very harsh.”
Left-back Alba commented: “You are not only the greatest player in the history of football, but you are also an exceptional human being.
“Friend, thank you from the heart for everything you have given to the club, for your friendship, for your support in the grey days, for the great moments lived that will remain forever in our memory.
“I wish you and your whole family the best in your new adventure. A big hug, I love you brother.”
Midfield maestro Sergio Busquets stated: “I can only thank you for what you have done for the club and for those who have accompanied you in these years and specifically towards me.”
He continued: “I will miss you a lot. I can only wish you and your family the best because you deserve it, you will be missed.”
Teenager starlet Ansu Fati then posted: “All the boys who come to the Masia dream of being able to play with you, I feel lucky to have fulfilled it.
DREAM TEAM 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON
- £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
“I wanted to thank you for these two years for your gestures of affection towards me and for everything I learned.”
French forward Ousmane Dembele also thanked Messi, as he said: “Leo it was a privilege to have played with a legend like you.
“I thank you for everything you have done for me and for your support in good times and bad. Nobody will forget what you did for Barcelona and for football lovers.
“I wish you and your family all the best. Thanks Leo.”
Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho messaged: “Leo Messi THANK YOU so much for everything. A great honour to have met you and played by your side.
“Very grateful for the way you treated me and my family during that time! I wish you every success in your future and may GOD always bless your home and your family.”
DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
